Words from Sundance Staffers: Krissy Bailey

What is your job at Sundance Film Festival?
Festival Publicist, US Competition Films.

What do you do the rest of the year?
Film Festival migrant worker…mainly in publicity.

Why did you decide to start working at Sundance Film Festival?
After working at so many film festivals I wanted to experience how one of the biggest and best known festivals in the country runs and operates. It also provided the opportunity to live in Utah and in the snow for three months (which I never get living in the Bay Area). Plus, the position fit nicely into my festival circuit (starting right after Mill Valley and returning just in time for San Francisco International).

If you have worked at Sundance Film Festival in previous years why do you return?
This is my first year…. but going on what I have experienced so far, I would definitely return. The staff is great, work is fun and we put on an impressive event.

What is your most cherished memory from previous festivals?
Looking forward to making these memories this year…

What film are you most looking forward to seeing at Sundance Film Festival?
I am really impressed with the program as a whole and truly want to see almost everything that is playing. Some titles worth mentioning: FOUR LIONS, WASTELAND, A PROPHET, THE FREEBIE, DOUCHEBAG, HOLY ROLELRS, LAST TRAIN HOME… and many more. Also, all the shorts programs!

If you’ve had a chance to preview any of the festival films, which ones are you recommending to friends?
A PERFECT HOST, RESTREPO, A SMALL ACT, 7 DAYS, 8: THE MORMON PROPOSTION… to name a few.

How many films do you hope to see?
The first 5 days I will be running around like a chicken with my head cut off, so I don’t expect to see any… but I am hoping to catch at least a few in the second half.

What are your strategies for selecting which films to see and getting into screenings?
I haven’t developed a strategy yet because I don’t yet know the structure of my days. However, I have some vouchers and have feeling the Wait List line will be my new best friend.

How does Sundance Film Festival differ from other film festivals that you have attended or worked at?
The staff is huge! Granted the production itself requires an enlarged staff, but it has been great to know that the support and structure is here.

If you have to choose between going to a film or a party how do you decide what to do?
It probably depends on how badly I want to see a particular film vs. how much fun I have heard the party is rumored to be… but usually I will choose the film.

How do you deal with the cold and altitude in Park City?
I thought it would be a rough adjustment coming from San Francisco, but so far it hasn’t been that bad at all! I think as long as you mentally prepare yourself (and have the appropriate attire), you should be fine.

Will you be back for next year?
It all depends on where I am in my life… but if I don’t work, I would at least like to come back and volunteer.

Hilary Hart, who annually holds down the late-night shift at the Egyptian at the Sundance Film Festival, will be offering interviews with fellow workers from the San Francisco Bay Area during the course of the festival.